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Cool Beans: A Mother's Day gift guide with a caffeinated kick

Follow all my musings and celebrity interviews here and follow me on Twitter @celebbuzzz

So many mothers, so little time… One day to honor those women who made it all possible… Literally!  What have people said about the “Mom Factor?   Here a just a few of my favorites…. I have included Twitter accounts whenever possible so get tweeting!

 “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?  ~Milton Berle”

 “A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. “~Peter De Vries

“The phrase "working mother" is redundant.”  ~Jane Sellman

Getting from one end the day to the next can be tough for anyone, but for our mothers it can be a superhuman task.  So to keep the “mother load” movin’, here is some “high octane” admiration that my mother has tested and approved.   Do you find them a bit “random”?   Good… Because that was exactly my plan.  Over the last year, I have come across an assortment of “goodies” that I put before my panel of ONE – My mother!!!!  The verdict… Get it? Got it? Good!

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Now go shopping and don’t forget to call your Momma’

Being a mom takes a whole lot of planning, so before you even brew your first cup o java WAKE UP with 100% Pure: Wake Up available at QVC.com, this set of organic coffee bean caffeine eye cream and fruit pigmented lengthening and conditioning mascara brightens dark circles and “de-puffs” swelling.

So now that “she” is looking mom o licious, before she brews her first cup, she better know where she will be pouring it!  Some of the best places I have found are

Contigo’s reusable travel mugs and BPA-free hydration bottles.  And my mom’s Contigo®  favorites:

• The AUTOSEAL® West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug keeps drinks hot for 4 hours and cold for up to 12 hours for moms who transition from office to caregiver, and everywhere in between. MSRP $19.99

• The AUTOSEAL® Bella Double Wall Insulated Mug holds 14 fl. oz. of Mom’s favorite beverage and fits in most car cup holders. The double wall design reduces external condensation and retains the beverage’stemperature for a longer period of time. MSRP $9.99

Twitter: @GoContigo

Copco To Go Cup

Taking after the classic “to go” coffee cup, the 16 oz Copco To Go Cup is sure to attract double-takes.  Its textured, non-slip grip even mimics a traditional insulation sleeve.  The reusable thermal travel mug is microwave and dishwasher safe, features a double-wall plastic construction for enhanced insulation, and is BPA free. Priced at $7.99, it’s a great way to be kinder to the earth and your purse!!!

Copco Stir ‘N Sip Cup

The iced coffee cup is now reusable and perfect for all cold beverages.  The tumbler’s large 24 oz. capacity and reusable straw with stirring mechanism allows you to enjoy your favorite iced coffee or smoothie with ease.   The textured, non-slip grip allows for easy carrying and it is an environmentally friendly tumbler priced at $7.99

So now you are ready to brew and we (mom and me) took two for a test drive around our cups!

(this one has a lil’ uber extra going on)

The Brew Over Ice K-Cup® portion packs for the Keurig® Brewing System:  Brewing iced coffee and tea at home has never been easier.  These specially blended K-Cup portion packs contain the perfect amount of coffee or tea to create a full-flavored, cool beverage.  Fill a 16 oz. plastic cup with ice, place it under a Keurig® Brewer, and choose the 6 or 8 oz. button. Brew directly over ice, stir and enjoy!

Twitter: @Icedkcups

Not to be outdone and equally as “mom-friendly” the  CBTL™ Single Serve Beverage Systemis the first of its kind fromThe Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®.  Itallows users (aka my mom) to re-create their favorite The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® espresso, brewed coffee, tea and specialty beverages – easily, at home. With just one capsule and one touch, the CBTL™ System delivers one perfect cup every time.  Available at the CBTL™ Kaldi System is available in three different colors: red, blue and white, and is priced at $149.

Twitter: @cbtl @thecoffeebean

Afterthe “monsters” (young and old) are on their way, time for mom to indulge in a little not so guilty pleasure.  Where do we start?  That’s an easy one, as Isabella’s Cookie Company has something every mom will enjoy.  But, might “we” recommend The Mocha Monster as our favorite, powerful creation -- A gourmet brown sugar cookie with five shots of fresh espresso, crammed with huge chunks of milk chocolate, it’s a perfect treat for busy moms in need of a pick-me-up!

Using an “uber fab” mix of the finest ingredients possible in adventurous combinations of flavor and texture, Isabella’s Cookies has the recipe to satisfy any palette. Just like mom’s, they are made with love and always baked-to-order, each batch guarantees freshness and the ultimate FGCE (Feel-Good Cookie Experience).

Is mom always on the go? I think I found the answer… VIA®  Ready Brew This coffee has the ability to keep mom (or any coffee lover) running while on the go, out and about, or at home, and it’s convenient size makes it the perfect item to keep on hand at all times.  Using natural roasted coffee and made through a unique processing method, free of byproducts and chemicals, Starbucks VIA® is Starbucks quality coffee in an instant. All you need is 8 oz. of hot or cold water to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee anytime and anywhere.

Starbucks VIA® comes in a variety of flavors and blends, including French Roast, Italian Roast, Italian Decaf, Iced Coffee, Caramel Flavored, Cinnamon Spice Flavored Coffee and more. Pair a 12-pack with a bright, colorful travel mug for Mom to make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for every on-the-go mom.

Also, because of the Starbucks VIA® Taste Promise, it’s a gift you can’t go wrong with! If you try it and simply don’t like Starbucks VIA®, they replace it with a bag of whole bean coffee instead.

Twitter: @Starbucks

Still not enough “octane” for mom?  Well my good friend Dylan, who is simply at the center of all things sweet, has the perfect solution…

One Shot Espresso Bean Cup

A rich dose of real espresso beans covered in delicious dark chocolate

Double Shot Espresso Bean Cup

A hearty assortment of crisp espresso beans covered in dark, milk or white chocolate!

Something to cool mom down after a long day… These are a perfect side to a steaming cup o joe. 

Coppenrath Europe’s Bakery produces restaurant quality frozen desserts. Uniquely European in its recipes, Coppenrath combines Old World traditions with modern baking techniques and choice ingredients for a superior taste and quality of home-style baked goods that are a sweet addition to any occasion. Which did mom like? YES! The coconut, chocolate mousse cakes and lemon chiffon as well as the chocolate single-serve mousse duets were a two thumbs up and pass me another.

What no chocolates for that special day?  Oh Yee of little faith… Xan Confections offers one-of-a-kind taste sensations with the non dairy, vegan and gluten-free mom in mind. The luscious soft caramels are blended with all-natural ingredients and sweetened with 100 percent organic blue agave nectar. Brushed with natural mica powder to dazzle the eyes and the taste buds, the Espresso Almond Caramel will give mom a chocolate-fueled java boost!

Twitter: @XanConfections

Now for some real down time the ultimate coffee “chillax”…

Yes, an iced coffee recipe with a twist…Kahlua allows mom to take and second and enjoy herself and also makes the perfect Mother’s Day surprise Brunch in Bed “cocktail”.

Kahlúa Iced Coffee

2 parts Kahlúa

2 parks chilled coffee

1 park milk or cream

How to mix it: Serve over ice in a tall glass

Now a bit off the java track but not too far as it is brimming with goodies that will make mom feel good and lift her spirits and her energy. Experience Mediterranean Classics that have been inspired by the rich abundance of premium ingredients found in California. Sun Dried Tomato Halves, Julienne cut, and Pesto, California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sun Dried Tomato Risotto and wood scoop, Italian style breadsticks, Freshly roasted espresso, authentic biscotti, Pinot Grigio Salami, gourmet cheese spread, and Tuscan Olive Oil soap.

Cost: $45

Twitter: @BellaSunLuci

What color is coffee?  What color is the watch? Mom deservers a little creativity and this gift is serving up a heaping portion of style. The Philip Stein “Black Coffee” watch is perfect for Stressed out Mom’s.  The brand’s proprietary Natural Frequency Technology embedded into each watch is emitted into the wearer and has been clinically studied to reduce stress, improve sleep and an overall well-being.  It’s also great for travelers who are changing time zones, as another benefit of the watch is the reduction of jet lag.  The Chronograph Rose Gold Watch is also one of the hottest trends in accessories for the season and perfect for the fashion-forward mom. Price: $550

Twitter: @philipstein

What’s the coffee connection here?  Nada, nothing, zilch but my mother liked them! Get the picture?

Aetrex Sandalistas Cork Comfort Collection merges trendy colors and cute detailing with the benefits of built-in arch support (not normally found in sandals), adjustable straps for optimal fitting, light-weight shock absorbing properties of cork and memory foam top cover for customized cushioning.  Styles include t-straps, adjustable thongs, slip-ons and back straps all constructed from technologically advanced materials.

Only $89.95 for all day comfort.  Available at Aetrex.com, and select retailers across the country.

And in the name of keeping it clean, keeping it real and keep it real clean:

B. Witching Bath Co.   Roasted Coffee Kitchen & Garden Soap, ($10.95, 8 fl. oz.) Not your average cup-of-joe, B. Witching's  Roasted Coffee Kitchen & Garden Soap instantly perks up the senses and rids skin of pungent food aromas from cooking (think garlic and fish). The all-natural formula is infused with Coffee Bean Oil, Ground Coffee Beans and natural germ killing Tea Tree Oil to leave skin clean and delicately scented with a touch of coffee blended with warm caramel notes.  

Now this one does have a coffee connection and does a lot of good in the meantime!  From UNICEF…

Every Child Matters Mug An everyday reminder of UNICEF’s mission to help children everywhere. Gently curving handle with thumb rest fits comfortably in hand, and peek inside to see a small icon of the world. Price: $10.00

Power of the Invisible Sun Coffee Table Book  The courage and joy of children living amid war and conflict are captured in this poignant collection of photographs by philanthropist Bobby Sager. Each book puts an indestructible soccer ball, a lasting sign of hope, into the hands of a child in one of the worst places on the planet. "Hope is the most important thing people need to move forward. The slightest ray of hope can ignite the human spirit's ability to overcome," said Sager. Foreword by Sting. Hardcover. Price: $29.99

Twitter: @unicefusa

, Pop Culture Examiner

With an MS from the esteemed Columbia University Joshua Estrin, the fat kid who was forever dodging Tater-Tots in High School has become both a pop culture expert and celebrity pal. A regular on CNN, CNBC, E! XM and in just about every magazine imaginable, he remains energetic, upbeat and always...

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